Small-scale chemistry employs a modern design philosophy and small, inexpensive plastic apparatus to create a learning laboratory that fosters creativity, invention, and problem solving. This article describes the characteristics of the small-scale activities. A n-solutions chemical reaction matrix is provided with examples of classroom use. (YP)

Describes an organic chemistry experiment for teaching the basic concepts of chemical kinetics. Provides background information about first- and second-order reactions, experimental procedures of the Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and dimethyl fumarate, and the experimental results. (YP)

An activity that can be used to teach plant nutrition and the use of hydroponics is presented. Materials and procedures are discussed. Possible topics for science projects are suggested. (CW)

Reviewed are the features of lasers that make them useful to chemists and in chemistry curricula. Types of lasers are listed. Laser-induced fluorescence experiments are discussed. (CW)

Reviewed are the basic concepts of experimental design, analysis of data, and optimization. Discussed are two-level factorial designs; fractional factorial designs and blocking, additive, linear, and quadratic models; quadratic and composite designs; and designing experiments in design. (CW)

Discusses advantages of the Stirling engine. Describes the details of constructing one from common materials, and its use for studying thermodynamics. (YP)

Described is an experiment designed to illustrate photosynthesis. The experiment is based on a classic experiment performed by vanHelmont in the sixteenth century. A list of materials, procedures, and concepts are discussed. Variations are suggested. (CW)

Discusses the use of an individually designed experiment for a chemical engineering laboratory course. Lists main ideas of the method. Provides an example of the experiment including ways to answer the questions and extensions. (YP)

Describes experimental procedures to produce magnetic fields with a thermocouple. Provides diagrams showing the apparatus, tables of experiment data, and background information on the theory. (YP)

Describes an aircart upon which a person can sit. Discusses the construction and use of it in a physics class. (YP)

Presented is an activity in which the composition of margarine is analyzed. Materials and procedures are discussed. An extension activity on emulsions is suggested. Background information on the history of margarine is provided. (CW)

Discusses a group project for a physics laboratory using various pendulums. Presents diagrams of pendulums, describes how to make a pendulum, and provides suggestions for guiding students in the laboratory. (YP)

Describes three experiments with an air table to produce a centripetal force. Provides some diagrams and pictures of the apparatus. (YP)

Described are two investigations carried out in a high school biology department using a domestic microwave oven to compare the relative attributes of the autoclave and microwave oven in school use. Discussed are equipment, methods, and results of each investigation. (Author/CW)

Described is a simple, safe, and inexpensive experiment which allows secondary school pupils to observe how fungi and bacteria grow and interact with each other. Included are discussions of materials, methods, observations, and a historical comment. (Author/CW)